What do you think, he pondered!

[bbobbdd]

So, I have several vintage Gillette Razors that I've had revamped\replated by Chris at BackRoadsGold. Incredible job to say the least. I currently have a 40's US Aristocrat with Chris I'm replating in GOLD (it's original color).

My next is where I keep going back and forth. It is an English Aristocrat and is Nickel colored, (see pic) it's original color. Do I replate in the Mirror Nickel or add GOLD?? I know it's personal choice and I'm looking both for my use and "possible" resale value at some future date.

Which would you do (and why)?

 

[tehnothing]

So, I have several vintage Gillette Razors that I've had revamped\replated by Chris at BackRoadsGold. Incredible job to say the least. I currently have a 40's US Aristocrat with Chris I'm replating in GOLD (it's original color).

My next is where I keep going back and forth. It is an English Aristocrat and is Nickel colored, (see pic) it's original color. Do I replate in the Mirror Nickel or add GOLD?? I know it's personal choice and I'm looking both for my use and "possible" resale value at some future date.

Which would you do (and why)?


View attachment 1870557

If it looks as good as it is pictured I wouldn't replate at all. The most I would do is send it to Chris for his tuneup service that includes a well done job of shining it. My Fatboy came back from it's tuneup looking like new. It is also cheaper. I have a First gen No 15 Aristocrat OC that has more patina and wearing than yours does and I will never replate it.

 

[Alum Ladd]

So, I have several vintage Gillette Razors that I've had revamped\replated by Chris at BackRoadsGold. Incredible job to say the least. I currently have a 40's US Aristocrat with Chris I'm replating in GOLD (it's original color).

My next is where I keep going back and forth. It is an English Aristocrat and is Nickel colored, (see pic) it's original color. Do I replate in the Mirror Nickel or add GOLD?? I know it's personal choice and I'm looking both for my use and "possible" resale value at some future date.

Which would you do (and why)?


View attachment 1870557

In addition, gold plating was never as popular here as in the US. Rhodium or nickel was much more favoured by the UK consumer it seems. The plating on English Gillettes is excellent too, maybe a touch thicker than their US cousins.

If it looks as good as it is pictured I wouldn't replate at all.

I would echo the above, and leave excellent alone!

Here is my English Aristocrat Junior No.48, one of the rarer Aristocrats, and I'm not going to replate. It was obviously well-used, and I will keep that authentic vibe.

 

[bbobbdd]

AH, an important point of clarification !! The picture is NOT the actual razor. I just wanted you to see what they looked like originally.

It's close, the shaft looks good, the head needs work as Tune-up wouldn't be enough. Sorry I didn't mention that.

How do you find an actual number ID on the English versions? All is see is what looks like an "11" and pat no.

Please excuse my error and keep your thoughts a coming.........

 

[tehnothing]

My statement stands. The doors and under the head on the handle has plate loss on my first gen No 15 OC. I still will not replate. Especially if it is originally plated Rhodium as Chris does not plate Rhodium due to material expense. If it is nickel and you feel it is worth it do what is in your heart. I certainly would not replate in gold. Either nickel or palladium would be my choice in such a case.

 

[Alum Ladd]

AH, an important point of clarification !! The picture is NOT the actual razor. I just wanted you to see what they looked like originally.

It's close, the shaft looks good, the head needs work as Tune-up wouldn't be enough. Sorry I didn't mention that.

How do you find an actual number ID on the English versions? All is see is what looks like an "11" and pat no.

Please excuse my error and keep your thoughts a coming.........

It sounds like the No.66 set, late 1950's.

The II marking denotes medium aggression. In the late 50's Gillette England began marking razors I to III in order of aggression.

The 694 020 pat no is post 1954-5.

There will be no other markings. Gillette England did not use date codes. If you get a full set with original blades, the blades (which WERE date coded) will give a strong clue.

 

[shave/brush]

I would nickel plate it. I did a Gillette NEW in nickel and it looks great. No regrets. Here is a picture of mine.

 

[kingfisher]

Rhodium, if possible.

 

[Joezamboni]

Throw any ideas of resale value out the window if you’re going to Replate it First off.

Backroads gold won’t deal with the overhead for rhodium (understandable). Collectors will not pay the premium to buy one done in rhodium by Razor Emporium and people picky about quality won’t use them.

I‘ve replated a lot of razors, an English Aristocrat hasn’t been one of them.

 

[Joezamboni]

Here is my English Aristocrat Junior No.48, one of the rarer Aristocrats, and I'm not going to replate. It was obviously well-used, and I will keep that authentic vibe.
View attachment 1870581

To be fair if it is a factory nickel plated English razor backroadsgold makes them look amazing

 

[Alum Ladd]

To be fair if it is a factory nickel plated English razor backroadsgold makes them look amazing
View attachment 1870632
View attachment 1870633

Yes obviously Chris would be the default choice for any replate job if the item will be retained for personal use and a 'new look' is desired.

Excellent and reliable service.

 

[Calyshaver]

My experience with replated razors is that they are not as nice as the worn original equipment plating. We are talking industrial machinery vs. consumer-grade setups, no offense intended. I guess the car analogy would be the car OEM paint job versus an aftermarket body shop. The two are not the same, in my opinion. In the coin-collecting world, it is a big no-no to polish the tarnish off old coins as that destroys the collectible value.

If that were my razor, I would just enjoy it as is.

 

[Joezamboni]

So, I have several vintage Gillette Razors that I've had revamped\replated by Chris at BackRoadsGold. Incredible job to say the least. I currently have a 40's US Aristocrat with Chris I'm replating in GOLD (it's original color).

Ahh, originally gold?

Take before pictures, if you have the original case that matches that helps as a collectable. Still throw the idea of resale out the window but gold has its appeal to some people, especially since Chris’s gold quality is great for razors meant for real use.